Why big bad Brad Thorn will be roaring at 40 for Leicester Tigers

As he prepares to embark on his 22nd season as a professional, new Leicester signing Brad Thorn's hunger for the game is undiminished.
The All Blacks hard man arrived in the Midlands last week, with his family of four kids in tow, and is now ready to become the first player to play Premiership rugby at the grand old age of 40.
“My attitude hasn't changed since I first started playing, I'm still the same guy who loves to compete, loves the camaraderie and loves the physicality,” Thorn told TRP.  “I'm sure that'll still be the case when I'm 70. I just love playing and I still feel capable of contributing.
“One of the things that attracted me here was the chance to have a crack at this competition, and to be a part of a great side like Leicester is a real privilege.
“I've been really impressed with the ethos of the club and the facilities, everything seems really professional. I'm about striving for excellence and I can tell that's how they roll as well.
“Leicester are renowned for being there at the business end of the season, it's a club that wants to win things.”
Thorn has won plenty in his time: the World Cup, Tri Nations, Super Rugby and Heineken Cup titles – and that's just in Rugby Union.
The 39-yar-old lock, who reaches his milestone birthday in February, also enjoyed two successful spells in Rugby League and can claim to be the most highly-decorated player to play in both codes.
Remarkably for a player renowned for his no-holds-barred approach, the torn bicep he suffered while playing for the Highlanders back in April was the first serious injury of his career.
While luck has played a part in his durability, Thorn has always been the ultimate professional when it comes to keeping in good shape.
“Whereas some guys have had really bad injuries and feel sore and knocked about I've been lucky. Until this year I hadn't had a serious injury,” he said.
“I don't take anti-inflammatories or have to take weight off or put weight on – I'm naturally this size, and I love training and everything that goes into being fit and strong.
“All that combined allows me to play and hopefully over the next nine months the body can hang together and I'll get a job done.”
Arguably the only forward to have crossed the code divide with any degree of success, Thorn is better placed than most to discuss the merits of Sam Burgess' move to Rugby Union.
NRL star Burgess starts life in the 15-man game at Bath at centre but with a view to turning him into a back-rower.
“It's smart playing him at centre because that will allow him to get a real learning for the game first. It was pretty tough for me going in at No.8 and then to lock,” said 59-cap All Black Thorn.
“If you persevere and are willing to learn then a good athlete will come through and Sam Burgess, from what I've seen, is as good an athlete as there is. They've signed him for three years so he should be able to have a good crack and I'm sure he'll do well.”
JON NEWCOMBE
*This article was first published in The Rugby Paper on September 7.